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Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts Recipe

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  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Old Fashioned Sour Cream Donuts are a classic American treat featuring a soft, tender texture enhanced by sour cream and a hint of nutmeg. Fried to golden perfection and dipped in a sweet vanilla glaze, these homemade donuts offer a nostalgic taste with a delicious crackly finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Donuts

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
  2. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until crumbly. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until smooth. Stir in the sour cream thoroughly.
  3. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  4. Roll and Cut Donuts: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a floured donut cutter to cut out donut shapes, rerolling scraps as needed to make more donuts.
  5. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 325°F (165°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Fry Donuts: Fry donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove donuts and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and free of lumps.
  8. Glaze Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the prepared glaze, then place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

  • Maintain the oil temperature at a consistent 325°F to achieve the classic crackly texture on the donuts.
  • These donuts are best enjoyed fresh the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Use a thermometer for precise oil temperature control to prevent greasy or undercooked donuts.